Battery - Charging/Recharging
89peugeot04BULLETIN NO. 346
DATE: June, 1989
SUBJECT: CHARGING/RECHARGING DELCO FREEDOM BATTERIES
It has come to our attention that some Delco Freedom batteries which have been completely discharged are being replaced for not accepting a charge (ampmeter remaining at zero).
These batteries can, in fact, be successfully recharged; however, it may take up to several hours before the battery will start to accept a charge again.
REASON:
A completely discharged and cold battery requires more than twice as much charge as a one-half charged battery. Because the electrolyte is nearly pure water and a poor conductor in a completely discharged battery, the current accepted is very low at first. Later, as the charging current causes the electrolyte acid content to increase, the charging current will likewise increase.
1. PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
The following basic rules apply:
1. Always shield eyes and face from battery. Cigarettes, flames or sparks could cause battery to explode. Do not charge or use booster cables or adjust post connections without proper instructions and training.
2. Do not charge a battery if the hydrometer "eye indicator is clear or light yellow - replace battery.
3. Inspect battery exterior for damage or cracks.
4. Inspect for loose or broken terminals.
5. Inspect for cause of battery damage.
II. PROCEDURE FOR RECHARGING A COMPLETELY DISCHARGED BATTERY
Hydrometer "eye" indicator appears as a dark or black dot
1. Set battery charger on "high" until battery starts to accept a charging current (up to several hours).
NOTE: Some battery chargers have polarity protection circuitry. Although the cables are properly connected, the low voltage current may not activate this circuitry. Refer to battery charger manufacturer's instructions to bypass or override this circuitry.
2. Charge rates of up to 30 amperes are generally satisfactory for any freedom battery as long as spewing of electrolyte does not occur or the batter does not feel excessively hot (over 125~F/52~C). If spewing occurs or temperature exceeds 125~F, the charging rate must be reduced to low or temporarily halted to cool off the battery.
3. Gently shake or tilt the battery at hourly intervals during charging to mix the electrolyte and see if the "green dot" appears.
4. Charge until "green dot" appears, then follow the remaining standard charging procedure.
5. After charging completely discharged batteries, load test to establish serviceability of the battery.
III. LOAD TEST BATTERY
IMPORTANT: DO NOT REMOVE SURFACE CHARGE FROM STORED BATTERY
1. Remove surface charge (only on batteries in a vehicle of just off charge). Apply 300 ampere load across battery terminals for 15 seconds using a carbon pile. Do each battery separately.
2. Turn off load - allow 15 seconds for recovery.
3. Set carbon pile to load value for battery.
- 150 Amp load test on 405 XU9J2 & XU9J4 and 505 N9TEA & ZN3J engines.
- 200 Amp load test on 505 ZDJL engine only
4. Apply load test value to battery for 15 seconds.
5. Read carbon pile voltage - turn off load.
6. Determine battery temperature by touch and compare voltage reading with load test vehicle.
7. If voltage is less than table, replace battery. If equal to or greater than, return battery to service.
LOAD TEST TABLE
VOLTAGE TEMPERATURE
9.6 70~F & Above
9.4 50~F
9.1 30~F
8.8 15~F
8.5 0~F
8.0 Below 0~F
IV. STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS AND CHECKING/CHARGING BATTERY ON VEHICLES PRIOR TO STORAGE OR DELIVERY
When a new vehicle is put in storage and prior to delivery, check the state of charge of the battery. This check must be performed after the car has been sitting for at least one hour.
- Turn on headlights for a few seconds to remove the surface charge.
- Check state of charge of battery with voltmeter or tester capable of measuring percentage of charge
Recommended Minimum
Percentage of Charge Charging Time in Hours
or Voltage Reading on charger rated at 10 Amp hrs.
Below 20% or below 12V 300A battery - 7 hours
400A battery - 9 hours
20 - 40% or 12V - 12.3V 300A battery - 5-1/2 hours
400A battery - 7 hours
Above 60% or above 12.3V OK to store or deliver
- Recharge battery as needed; put vehicle in storage or deliver
Storage Recommendations:
- Check that: all electrical accessories are switched off.
- Do not operate electrical accessories unless engine is running.
- Remove the ignition key.
- Ensure that all doors, hood and trunk are closed
- If the vehicle is expected to be stored for more than a month, disconnect the battery.
- When the vehicle is to removed from storage, before attempting to start the engine, the state of charge of the battery should be checked after switching on the headlights for a few seconds to remove the surface charge.
- If the level of charge is below the minimum of 60% or 12.3V, the battery MUST be recharged prior to delivery.